How can we have genuine joy in this life?
The proper title should really be - who is the source of our joy?
This is because true lasting joy can't be found in any earthly thing. Advertising spends billions of dollars to convince us that if we buy something, we will be happy. It could be true that we are happy for a short time, but that happiness fades.
There is only one lasting source of joy in this world and the next, and that is God. The Bible says that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
We can have true and lasting joy when we ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior and ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. Breathe out your discouragement and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Ask God to give you a spirit of faith. You can strengthen your faith by trusting in His Word.
God loves you and will never leave you or forsake you. So rest in Him; cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. Ask Him to fill you with His joy, life, and love. Trust in Him, and He will give you the desires of your heart -- and He will give you joy that the world cannot give.